Associations key to nation-building — Abd Karim
KUCHING: Associations are key to nation-building, says Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.
He added that associations were important contributors to Sarawak’s business events and tourism sector.
“It is a key area with an enormous impact on nationbuilding. Together, we are capable of transforming Sarawak. We believe that by working together, we can give Sarawak better competitive edge, and further develop business events and tourism into one of the drivers of positive transformation,” he said.
He made this call when officiating at the launch of Business Events Sarawak Association Centre ( BESAC) at Plaza Aurora, Jalan McDougall here yesterday.
It is a key area with an enormous impact on nation-building. Together, we are capable of transforming Sarawak. Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Youth and Sports
Its first tenant is the Federation of Chinese Physicians and Acupuncturists Associations Malaysia ( FCPAAM), its first regional office, a move Abdul Karim lauded as an effort in championing business events.
“I am pleased to see FCPAAM pioneering this effort, and hope to see more associations make the same move. In fact, the Sarawak government through the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports encourage fellow associations from Malaysia and overseas to house their regional office in Sarawak.
“Associations can incentivise the delegate experience by collaborating with the ‘ Visit Sarawak campaign’.
“In fact, we are targeting about 5 million tourists, inclusive of business events delegates, and there are strong indications that the target is achievable,” Abdul Karim said, adding that Sarawak received about 4.6 million visitors in 2018.
Sarawak Convention Bureau ( SCB) chairman Tan Sri Dato Sri Dr Muhammad Leo Toyad Abdullah, its chief operating officer Amelia Roziman, FCPAAM president Dr Ng Po Kok and Business Events Sarawak board of directors members were also present at the launch.